African-Americans constitute about 29 percent of all patients treated for kidney failure in the U.S., but only about 14 percent of the overall U.S. population, according to the National Kidney Foundation. The incidence rate of diabetic end stage kidney failure has increased steadily among African Americans.

“We’re trying to be as festive as possible under the circumstances but please keep Nick in your thoughts because this is very painful,” Carey wrote on her website. “They tried to kick me out of the hospital but here I am pon de bed with Mr. C.”

“The truth is as long as we’re together, we’re OK,” she wrote. “I’m not trying to make light out of the situation because it’s a serious moment that’s very tough on all of us so please keep us and our family in your prayers.”

African Americans also develop kidney failure at an earlier age than white Americans. The mean age for African-Americans at the start of treatment for kidney failure is 56 years, compared with 66 in white Americans.

Read this online at http://colorlines.com/archives/2012/01/nick_cannon_joins_29_percent_of_black_kidney_failure_patients_in_the_us.html

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